(INDIANAPOLIS) - The official Federal Medicare RX bus tour has begun in Indiana.

Doctor Mark McClellan, who oversees the nation's Medicare and Medicaid programs, was in Indianapolis to help explain the new Medicare prescription drug coverage. Residents received free assistance from trained pharmacy and physician assistant students from Butler University and as well as other volunteers from various organizations.

All Medicare beneficiaries have a choice of plans and have until May 15th, 2006 to enroll. Those interested can still learn more about the program by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or logging on to Medicare.gov.

The Medicare bus will also be traveling across the state over the next several weeks. Dozens of events are planned across the state.